Doing the honors

Jaguar and Volkswagen have the top certified used-vehicle programs, a new ranking concludes.

For the second straight year, IntelliChoice named the VW brand's certified program the best among nonluxury automakers. Jaguar took top honors among luxury manufacturers for the fifth time.

IntelliChoice, of Campbell, Calif., bases its annual rankings on factors consumers cite as most important when they shop for certified vehicles.

The company gathers consumer feedback on its Web site, intellichoice.com. It examined 29 certified used-vehicle programs offered by 24 automakers.

IntelliChoice Publisher James Bell said that consumers say the factory warranty and inspection process are the most valuable elements of certified programs.

The company examined each carmaker's certified warranty for such things as what components are covered and for how long. It also looked at warranties' deductibles, Bell said.

It examined each manufacturer's inspection program against IntelliChoice's own 171-point checklist, Bell said. For example, some certified programs' inspections merely require that a vehicle has coolant. Others require it to be changed, he said. "These are the elements that should give people the most peace of mind and comfort," Bell said.

Patrick McFall, VW's general manager of certified pre-owned and corporate sales, said VW cited the IntelliChoice award in its marketing last year. It will do so again next year. "It is nice to be validated," he said.

McFall said VW expects to sell 50,000 to 52,000 certified used vehicles in 2005. It sold 38,844 from January through September this year.